NFL Draft Q&A: Pass-Rushing Linebacker

Ed Thompson

04/14/2008

Ed Thompson followed up with a linebacker the Colts have shown interest in since the Senior Bowl. Find out what other teams have talked to this dynamic player and how he sees himself fitting into an NFL defense in this interview!

Ed Thompson: One thing that really stands out is your blitzing
ability. Why are you so successful in getting after the quarterback?

Philip Wheeler: I think I'm pretty quick and that gives me the edge
over bigger guys I'm pass rushing against. I'm also bigger than the running
backs that try to block me, so I think that gives me another edge.

Thompson: You made 89 tackles your senior year. That has to speak well
to scouts about your range and quickness on the field. As you're talking to
teams, what are they saying about you?

Wheeler: I know the film has helped, so I hope my stats might help as
well. They just want to know my past and how I like to learn the game of
football. Some people like to learn on the board, by watching film, or
physically. They just want to know how to best teach me their system.

Thompson: Who were some of the teams you had formal interviews with at
the Combine?

Wheeler: The Giants, the Packers, San Francisco, and the Jaguars. I
met with about 12 teams.

Thompson: Did you get to talk to the Jags about how you could fit into
their scheme and help them?

Wheeler: Yeah, we talked about Daryl Smith, who played at Georgia Tech
with me. They said he fit in really well and that I would too.

Thompson: Who were some teams who talked to you at your Pro Day?

Wheeler: Miami talked to me a lot. I got on the board with the Miami
linebacker coach and also Carolina.

Thompson: How do you think you'd fit in with those teams?

Wheeler: Miami runs a 3-4, so I think I'd be the Mike linebacker. I
think I'd be pretty good in that system. We played a little bit of that, but not
very much.

Thompson: Where do you think you'd fit in best at the pro level, as a
middle linebacker or on the outside?

Wheeler: Because I played middle the last two years, that's where I'd
be more comfortable, but I think I could play any linebacker position. I played
all the linebacker positions in college in my four years of playing. I think I
can play inside or outside, it doesn't matter.

Thompson: What do you like to do for fun while you're waiting for
draft weekend?

Wheeler: I've been going to the movies a lot, I'm watching any movie
that's out right now.

Thompson: What's one you recently saw that you really enjoyed?

Wheeler: Bank Job. I like Jason Statham, I watch a lot of his movies.

Thompson: Is there anything you'd like to pass along to the fans?

Wheeler: I'd like to thank the fans for everything. Thank you all for
having me.